Author Archives: Jennifer Kohlhammer
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Sept. 30 National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Statement of Recognition and Honour
Leave a CommentLet us immerse ourselves and picture living the life of our ancestors today. Being one with nature and our land, surrounded by peace, respect, and understanding for each other, humility, and in connection with our Creator. This scenario is a fact of our existence, and the strength of our people – our Heroes – who, from time immemorial created a landscape of wholeness and connection to Mother Earth. Our ceremonies brought connection from our hearts to Mother Earth through the drum beat of our songs and prayers. Our source of food, shelter and medicine was provided to us by Mother Earth, as we were the caretakers of this land. Each day was guided through our traditional way of ceremonies, and the knowledge was taught from old to young. The circle of our life had our Creator in the center of our being.
The culture shock of European settlers arriving on this continent began to explore and destroy our way of life. The institutions that were to educate us and assimilate us into mainstream society used a method of “killing the Indian” in us!
We are mindful of knowing that our former students experienced this painful trauma that created an emotional landscape, for each of us as individuals, for our families, and for our community. This legacy of the Indian Residential School (IRS) is a lifelong journey of healing. We need to speak our truth without blame or judgement. We need to find ways to let our stories unfold, and to work on the shame that has resulted from messages we’ve taken from the outside and brought inside of ourselves. We need to find our voice and speak out! Our self-worth as First Nations people is a seed of incredible strength that has been passed down by our ancestors.
The children who never made it home, where more than 10,000 unmarked graves have spoken loud and clear to the world, telling the truth and encouraging us to change, individually, as a family, and as a community…and that healing is necessary! Our language needs to change to build empowerment and our connection through ceremonies. We are no longer the victims, and no longer the shame of society because we are recovering our human beingness. We must stand up in solidarity and let that seed flourish in us rather than practicing lateral violence and allowing that pyramid structure to destroy us as First Nations people.
Let’s honor our men, women, our children and our two spirited people, as they were recognized as part of our culture. Let’s find forgiveness so that we can move forward, for our family and our community.
Let’s begin to heal together in communities and rebuild the circle, bringing everyone back, creating a new narrative in our communities. Let’s begin to practice lateral empowerment through respect, through unity that will create those new narratives of strength and hope.
The values in our culture are entrenched from our Creator, and those values are our strength. It is who we are as the first people of this land, and it holds the power to change our lives.
On this day, thank you to our special guest speakers, Vincent Yellow Old Woman and Trinity Pretty Young Man, for sharing words of wisdom, peace, and perseverance at today’s National Day of Truth & Reconciliation event. For more on former Chief Vincent:
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Fire Restriction Issued for Siksika Nation
Leave a CommentSiksika Nation has issued a Fire Restriction due to the dry, windy, and warm conditions that exist and are forecasted. There is a very high risk of fire spread during windy conditions in any cured (dead and dry) grass fuel type, such as those that exist across the area of Siksika Nation. Due to the rapidly changing weather conditions and the fine fuel moisture content, Siksika Nation may move to a Ban with little to no notice.
A Fire Restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land, but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. For a list of relevant activities and their current restriction levels, please see the notice below. And please note that fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
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Staying Healthy in Extreme Heat
Leave a CommentDuring periods of extreme heat, everyone is at an increased risk, including your pets. These conditions can increase heat related illness and increase the risk of fire and power outages.
We can all prepare for extreme heat by:
– Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water (about 1 cup for every 15-20 minutes that you’re in the heat). This the most important thing you can do to stay health and safe during a heat wave.
– Know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion: feeling dizzy and light headed is a sign of heat stroke. Lack of sweating is also a sign of heat stroke, that could require a visit to the hospital.
– Limit exposure outdoors. Stock up on key supplies such as groceries, medications, and drinking water to avoid the need to take extra trips outside.
– Ensure you have extra cooling options by freezing ice or ice packs, and chill water in spray bottles so you can cool yourself down.
– Check that cooling appliances are in working order (fans, air conditioners) and have back-up options that don’t require power (i.e. cold washcloths).
– While its tempting to access public water ways such as the Bow River, please be mindful of the potential dangers of strong current, debris, and visibility as the spring runoff is still occurring.
Further tips can be found at alberta.ca/ExtremeHeat
For more information on weather conditions, visit the Environment Canada website or download the WeatherCan app to your smart phones or devices
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Early Heat Notification for Alberta
Leave a CommentAlberta Health is sharing an Early Heat Notification based upon advice by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) that an extreme heat event will begin this Sunday (July 7) in the north and expand across the province on Monday (July 8).
- With elevated temperatures, the risk of heat related illnesses will increase.
Duration:
- Daytime highs are expected to be above 30°C starting Sunday (July 8) through Thursday (July 11) but may extend 4-6 days longer than currently forecasted.
- Overnight and early morning lows are expected to be in the mid- teens, reducing capacity to cool overnight.
Compounding Events – Poor Air Quality due to smoke from wildfires:
- Areas in northwestern Alberta are currently experiencing extreme poor air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke. An Air Quality Advisory (AQA) is in effect for some areas of Alberta.
- Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
- Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms.
- Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
- Although air pollution and smoke can be harmful to your health, extreme heat is more dangerous. Whenever possible, keeping cool should always be your priority.
Actions to take:
- Visit alberta.ca/ExtremeHeat for more information on preparing for heat events.
- Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to heat and smoke.
- Consider taking extra precautions to reduce your exposure, such as reducing or rescheduling outdoor physical activities.
- Albertans are encouraged to:
- monitor the Public Weather Alerts for Alberta website; or
- download the WeatherCan App to receive notification when heat warnings and alerts are issued by ECCC.
- For more information please visit Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/air.aspx
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Siksika Health Services Announced Recipient of Government of Alberta’s Indigenous Patient Navigator Program Investment
Leave a CommentWe are pleased to announce that Siksika Health Services has been selected as a funding recipient of the Indigenous Patient Navigator Program. This initiative, supported by the Government of Alberta, aims to address significant health inequities faced by Indigenous Peoples in Alberta, with intent to advance reconciliation with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners while improving health care outcomes across the province.
Siksika Health Services will utilize this funding to reduce barriers in accessing primary care services, support patient advocacy, and improve care coordination on and off Nation, with a focus on the broad range of services offered by Siksika Health.
“As a leader in First Nations healthcare, this investment will empower further successes in our work towards improving health care access and outcomes for Siksika Nation members. We are proud to support this vital work and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the health and well-being of our Nation members, and for Indigenous people across Alberta.”
~ Dr. Tyler White, CEO Siksika Health Services
“We are thrilled to see Siksika Health Services recognized with funding from the Indigenous Patient Navigator Program. The dedication and hard work of the Siksika Health team is truly commendable, and I have every confidence that this initiative will lead to significant enhancements in health outcomes for our community.”
~ Marsha Wolf Collar, Board Chair Siksika Health Services
The Alberta government is investing $27.1 million in the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund, of which the Indigenous Patient Navigator Program will support 18 organizations with up to $450,000 each over three years. This achievement is part of Alberta Health’s broader effort to refocus the health care system on Indigenous health, creating a new division dedicated to removing barriers and building community-specific capacity for culturally safe primary care.
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Fire Restriction Lifted for Siksika Nation
Leave a CommentWith the recent moisture that has fallen and as the humidity has risen, Siksika Nation’s Fire Restriction that was issued on June 26, 2024 has been LIFTED until further notice. In it place, Siksika Nation will enter into a FIRE ADVISORY, which means that open camp fires can occur, charcoal briquets can be used for cooking, and approved fire pits can be utilized again as well. Additional detail can be found in the letter below.
Siksika, please continue to use extreme care when enjoying an open camp fire with family and friends; it takes all of us working together to keep our community safe and healthy.
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Fire Restriction Issued for Siksika Nation
Leave a CommentSiksika Nation has issued a Fire Restriction due to the dry, windy, and warm conditions that exist and are forecasted. There is a very high risk of fire spread during windy conditions in any cured (dead and dry) grass fuel type, such as those that exist across the area of Siksika Nation. Due to the rapidly changing weather conditions and the fine fuel moisture content, Siksika Nation may move to a Ban with little to no notice.
A Fire Restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land, but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. For a list of relevant activities and their current restriction levels, please see the notice below. And please note that fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
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Welcome to Our 2024 Post Secondary Summer Students!
Leave a CommentWould like to welcome our two post secondary summer students: Nikko Hunt and Shaedon Wolf Child to Siksika Health Services. Their official titles are “Community Wellness HOPE Team Assistants”, and their job is to provide leadership and coordination for community events and youth suicide prevention programs, in collaboration with existing Community Wellness programming.
Thus far, we’ve been so grateful to have Nikko and Shaedon involved in the “Reconnecting After Dark” Sober Summer Kick off event, and the Calgary Surge Indigenous Heritage basketball game in Calgary. They are also assisting with the Siksika T-ball Program.
There are a few events on the horizon for which our post-secondary summer students will play a huge role: the Run As One Youth Awareness week, Wellness Outdoors Land-Based Activities for Youth, First Nations Health Consortium’s Youth Teepee Summit, and many more. We are excited for their enthusiasm and will count on their superb ability to engage and work in a meaningful, supportive, manner with community members and youth of Siksika!
Nikko Hunt, a current student at the University of Lethbridge, is joining the Siksika Health Services Hope Team as an assistant this summer. Nikko is going into her third year of university, attaining her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Drama Performance. She hopes to get an Education After-Degree once she has completed her current program.
So far in her degree, Nikko has participated as an actor in two of the University’s Mainstage productions, one of which was the first Indigenous-created productions at the University called Yisstsiiyi. Nikko is also scheduled to be a part of another Mainstage this fall, called alterNatives by Drew Hayden Taylor.
Nikko’s passion lies in theatre, performance, playwrighting, and other creative art forms. She hopes that in the future she can share this passion in a classroom of her own. Nikko is excited to be working with the Hope Team and looks forward to the many experiences she will have that will help her develop useful skills for her career. She is determined to serve both the Hope Team and the community well.
Oki, niistoo niitaniiko Maasaamii’poo’takii, Niiksista Annista Miisins’kai’kii, ninna Annistaapaa’tssi’taa.
Shaedon Wolf Child, daughter of Joset Melting Tallow (Niiksista Annista) and Eddie Wolf Child (Annistaapaa’tssi’taa) is 21 years old, and is a dedicated Bachelor of Education student at Mount Royal University. With two years of academic experience at MRU pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English, Shaedon is now embarking on her first year in the Education program, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Indigenous Studies, starting in the Fall of 2024.
Shaedon aspires to earn her B.Ed. and fulfill her passion for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) internationally, with hopes of working in diverse regions such as Mexico, Europe, and Asia. Her educational journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs, fuels her ambition to inspire and motivate young people to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. In the summer of 2024, Shaedon was honored to join the Hope team, where she is committed to supporting the community with compassion and promoting wellness.
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Health Fair 2024 Recap
Leave a CommentThe 22nd annual Siksika Health Fair took place on April 17, 2024 at the Siksika Piiksapi Memorial Arbor. This year’s event was centred on the theme of Youth Mental Health, and featured Georges “Rush” St. Pierre, former Canadian professional mixed martial artist and world MMA Champion, and Ryan Straschnitzki, Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor. Our guests’ stories and authenticity helped ensure that Health Fair 2024 inspired our children, youth and community attendees with important messages of inspiring professionals who represent themselves and their profession with a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
The Health Fair is Siksika Health Services’ premiere event that provides our community members with the opportunity to learn, connect and engage with our departments and partners in health and wellness. This annual event offers holistic health promotion, health career information, and gives the community a chance to meet and listen to the health experiences of special guests.
